French Navy tests new AUVs
The French Navy has been conducting operational trials for what will be their first AUV for mine warfare, it announced on 23 July.
The trials are taking place ahead of the phased delivery of six ECA Robotics Alister 100 AUVs which is due at the end of 2013. The contract was awarded in 2010 by the Directorate General of Armaments.
After the testing is completed and the six AUVs are delivered, the French will decide whether or not to commission this device into active service before it can be used for operational use.
All being well, the AUVs will be delivered to the Mine Disposal Diver group and will be used in mine-hunting work in narrow sea areas. They will also be active in secondary missions such as seabed survey and reconnaissance.
The AUVs can be operated by two sailors from the dock or on board an inflatable boat. The Alister 100 will be equipped with Klein-type sonar, which operates at different frequencies. Depending on operational circumstances it can favour either sensing range or image definition.
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